Smart Wallet

ABSTRACT

A smart wallet that can only be exclusively opened by an authorized individual through biometric authentication is disclosed. The smart wallet also has a security system associated therewith to prevent the smart wallet from being lost or stolen. The system comprises a fob key configured to send periodic wireless transmissions to the smart wallet device having the ability for approximate range detection. Various embodiments include audible, visual and vibrational indications for authentication, battery power and range detection.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of thepriority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/972,608filed on Sep. 14, 2007, accordingly, the entire contents of thisprovisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to wallets or billfolds withimproved security features. More specifically, the present inventionpertains to systems and methods for securing wallets while employingelectronic features. The present invention is particularly, but notexclusively, useful as a smart wallet system and method with advancedfeatures including biometric authentication and an ability to transmitand receive electronic signals.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In an age where electronic devices and transactions are prevalent,safe-guarding data has become an important issue, thus giving rise to amyriad of security systems. Two of the common security systems used arepassword and personal identification (PIN) systems. Password systemsrequire a user to provide the authentication system with a username anda password (both of which are unique to the user). PIN systems on theother hand usually require a user to provide a code, usually referred toas the PIN code, for authentication purposes. Both the password and thePIN system can prove to be a nuisance to users in the event they forgettheir password or PIN code. Moreover, a user A can easily impersonateanother user B if user A happens to get a hold of the password or PINcode (given either voluntarily or exploited through other means) of userB. One way to avoid such breaches of security is to implement auser-based physiological or behavioral characteristic as a means forauthentication. This is the general idea behind biometrics.

Biometrics is the study of measurable biological characteristics. Incomputer security, biometrics refers to authentication techniques thatrely on measurable physiological (e.g. face, fingerprint, hand, iris, orDNA) or behavioral (e.g. keystrokes, signature, or voice)characteristics that can be automatically checked.

In the above description, authentication is usually accomplished via abiometric device. A general description of the functionality of abiometric device now follows. First, the biometric device captures aprofile of the characteristic and next, a comparison of the acquiredprofile is made with a stored profile or template. Lastly, uponsuccessful matching of the captured and stored profile, the user isinterfaced with the application system requesting authentication.

Authentication based on fingerprint: One of the most common biometrictechniques is the fingerprint, wherein users scan in a copy of theirfingerprint and a comparison is performed by the authentication deviceas to whether or not the input fingerprint matches that of a storedfingerprint corresponding to the same person. Some fingerprintauthentication devices further provide a step of checking for a pulse tocombat problems posed by false-authentication via fingerprints that arenot real.

Authentication based on hand geometry: An authentication querying systemcaptures the physical characteristics of a user's hand and fingers via ascanner and is matched with a stored template of the same user. Uponsuccessful authentication, an action (like opening a secure door) isperformed by the querying system.

Authentication based on retinal scanning: A scanner scans at close rangea user's retina (the image forming innermost coat of the black part ofthe eye ball) using a low intensity light, creating an eye signature.The image is further matched to a stored retinal template, and aspecific action is performed upon successful authentication. It shouldhowever be noted that failure of a user to focus correctly may providean inaccurate result.

Authentication based on iris scanning: An iris scanner scans uniquerandom patterns of the iris (the colored part of the eye) andauthenticates users based on comparing the consistency of the acquiredpattern with that of stored patterns. Unlike retinal scanning, closerange interaction is not required.

Authentication based on facial recognition: A facial recognition systemscans (the features of a users face) and captures an image of the user'sface and compares it to a stored static facial image of the same user.Upon successful authentication, a specific action is performed by thefacial recognition system.

Authentication based on signature verification: This authenticationtechnique utilizes a pressure sensitive pen and a tablet to record auser's signature. The system then compares it against stored samples ofsignatures corresponding to the same user, and upon authentication,performs a specific action.

Authentication based on voice recognition: Authentication in thistechnique is based on recognizing voice and speech characteristics(associated with a user) that are imperceptible and hence notreplicable. Voice recognition systems typically require more memory forstoring voice templates of users.

Therefore, biometrics are beginning to play a critical role inauthentication and security. Biometrics authenticate the user not basedon what he can remember (like passwords, PIN's, etc.), but rather usethe user's characteristics (or who the user is) to performauthentication.

Wallets heretofore, have also been known. Some examples include U.S.Pat. No. 5,653,276, entitled COMBINATION WALLET AND BILLFOLD, toNiernberger; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2006/0273129, entitled WALLETSECURITY, to Horn.

Also recently, improvements in electronic tracking and inventory systemshave been proposed that take advantage of the latest short range, lowpower technologies such as Bluetooth and ZigBee. However, no similarproposals have been made that specifically address a person's walletproviding biometric authentication and electronic tracking.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a Smart Wallet, or an iWallet, that proposes a biometric basedauthentication module to prevent a non-owner from accessing the device.It is further an object of the present invention to provide a securewallet that is tamper resistant and water resistant. It is still furtheran object of the present invention to provide a smart wallet withelectronic transmission and receiving capability to provide, for exampleindication when a secure wallet and a corresponding fob key are takenout of a preselected range. It is yet still further an object of thepresent invention to provide either a fob key device configured to fitonto or into a cellular telephone device, or alternatively configured toa key chain. It is an additional object of the present invention toprovide a secure wallet with a USB port so that data can be retrieved,stored and programmed to the device via a personal or laptop computer.It is still another object of the present invention to provide a SmartWallet system and method that is simple to use, yet easy to implementand comparatively cost effective.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the abovementioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention isdirected to a smart wallet comprising: an open position; a secureposition; and a biometric reader wherein the biometric reader providesbiometric authentication allowing the wallet to transition from thesecure position to the open position.

The smart wallet, in a first aspect, is further characterized as havinga left-hand side; and a right-hand side, the left and right-hand sidesconnected by hinges. A preferred embodiment also has an LED indicating arelative battery strength. Additionally, the smart wallet comprises aplastic support clip on an interior of the wallet, the plastic supportclip configured to receive personal business cards.

The smart wallet is also a part of a smart wallet tracking system. Forthis, the smart wallet comprises a first RF unit; and the trackingsystem further includes a fob comprising a separate a second RF unit,the first and second RF units configured to send and receive electronictransmissions from each of said units, the fob providing audibleindication when the fob and smart wallet are separated by apredetermined range.

Yet another physical feature of the smart wallet is that an interiorportion of the wallet includes a base relief to facilitate extraction ofbills and credit cards. Also, the interior portion includes a cardholder for storage of business cards or credit cards and the card holderincludes an angular offset to facilitate extraction of said cards. It isfurther contemplated that the smart wallet comprises polycarbonate-ABSblend; and styrene-acrylonitrile material.

In a second aspect, the present invention is a method of securing awallet, the method comprising: providing a wallet having electronictransmitting and receiving capability; providing a fob key transmittingand receiving electronic signals from the wallet; determining whetherthe wallet is within a predetermined distance from the fob key using thetransmitting and receiving electronic signals; and indicating audibly ifthe fob key and the wallet are detected as being beyond thepredetermined distance.

The method herein additionally comprises latching the wallet in a closedposition; controlling the latching electronically via control signals;and authenticating the controlling the latching biometrically.

In a third aspect, the present invention is a system for securing awallet comprising: a fob key maintained separately from the wallet,wherein the wallet and fob key are able to transmit and receiveelectronic signals with one another and wherein an approximate distancecan be determined between the wallet and the fob key; and audibleindication to alert a user when the approximate distance exceeds apredetermined distance.

The system of the present invention additionally characterized in thatthe wallet further comprises an open position; a secure position; and abiometric reader wherein the biometric reader provides biometricauthentication allowing the wallet to transition from the secureposition to the open position.

The fob key of the present invention comprises a battery compartment,the battery compartment including a screw type lid. Additionally,self-adhesive is provided for affixing the fob to a cellular phone. Asan alternative, all hardware components of a fob key of the presentinvention are incorporated into a cellular phone design. In yet anotheralternative, the fob further comprises a loop for attaching to a keychain.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake ofgrammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarilylimited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps”limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning andequivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicialdoctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expresslyformulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutoryequivalents under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law. The inventioncan be better visualized by turning now to the following drawingswherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematical illustration of a system for securing a walletof the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a block diagram for hardware components for a smartwallet of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram for hardware components for a fobkey of the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a block diagram for software components for a smartwallet of the present invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates a block diagram for software components for a smartwallet of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective illustration of a first smart walletembodiment, also known as an iWallet, of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective illustration of the first smart walletembodiment in an open position;

FIG. 3C is a perspective illustration of the first smart walletembodiment having an interior leather compartment in an unfoldedposition;

FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the first smart wallet embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective illustration of a second smart walletembodiment in a closed (secure) position;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the second smart wallet embodiment inan open position;

FIG. 5A is a perspective illustration of a third smart wallet embodimentof the present invention in a closed position;

FIG. 5B is a perspective illustration of the third smart walletembodiment of the present invention in an open position;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional illustration of the third smart walletembodiment along sectional line 5C-5C in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective illustration of a first fob key embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the first fob key embodiment affixed to acellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective illustration of a second fob key embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the second fob key embodiment affixed to acellular phone according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the second fob key embodiment fromunderneath the device illustrating the self-adhesive of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a smart wallet tracking system 100 isillustrated. First, a smart wallet 111 is provided having relatively lowpower, relatively short range, wireless transmission 115 capability.Second, an electronic fob 112 is provided also having wirelesstransmission capability configured to transmit and receive signals fromthe smart wallet 111. As an example, the fob key can be mated to a keychain 114 via loop 113, or alternatively, the fob key 112 could also beconfigured into or onto a cell phone 690 as illustrated in FIGS. 6Athrough 7C, for example.

System 100 is still further configured so that when wallet 111 and fob112 are separated by a predetermined distance, for example ten (10)feet, the system 100 will provide audio and/or vibrational indication toboth the wallet 111 and the fob 112. The audio indication could beprovided, for example, by a sound generator 201, 211, such as a buzzeror a speaker. Further, the vibrational indication could be provided by,for example, a miniature motor configured with a weight imbalance tocause vibration. The audio indication principle purpose is to alert anowner when the wallet 111 has been stolen, and further, the directionthe wallet relative to the owner in the moments after a suspected theft.

As another alternative, fob 112 is configured with wireless transmissionability while the wallet itself includes only passive RFID; andtherefore only the fob key 112 would alert a user when the wallet 111goes out of range. In a preferred embodiment, the wallet 111 and fob key112 range determination is achieved approximately by a relative signalstrength detected by a receiver from either or both of the fob key 112and the wallet 111.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a block diagram 200 of exemplary hardwarecomponents is shown. In a preferred embodiment, a biometric reader isrealized as fingerprint module 203. Microprocessor 204 controls theactions of the range detection, for example with sound generator 201 andvibrator 202, and also with authentication of the user via thefingerprint module 203. A Security Parameter Index (SPI) is associatedwith a wallet owner's biometric signature. Microprocessor 204communicates to wireless module 205 via a General Purpose Input/Output(GPIO), for example, and includes antenna 206. It is preferred that bothprocessor 204 and wireless module 205 are low power consuming andconcurrent with the latest advancements in such electronics. Further,wireless module 205 is configured, according to for example, short rangelow power protocols as defined by either Bluetooth, ZigBee (IEEE802.15.4), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or Ultra-Wideband(UWB).

FIG. 2B illustrates a fob key hardware block diagram 210 wherein amicroprocessor 215 is integrated with a wireless module. Similarly, theintegrated processor and wireless module 215 control sound generator 211and vibrator 212, and is electronically connected to antenna 216.

FIG. 2C shows software block diagram 230 for the smart wallet 111 of thepresent invention. It 230 comprises applications including registration,login, authentication, range detection 231, wireless stack 233, securitylibrary 232, biometric middleware 234, operating system 235, and devicedrivers 236. The operating system 235 includes all the services such asinterprocess communications, memory management, clock, and file system.Device drivers 236 include wireless, flash, I/O ports, timers,fingerprint reader, and others. Sitting on top of the OS 235 are thewireless communication stack 233, biometric library (middleware) 234,and security library 232. The application layer 231 includesapplications such as sync, user registration, user authentication, andrange detection, for example.

FIG. 2D illustrates software block diagram 240 for the fob key 112 ofthe present invention. It 240 comprises applications including pairingand range detection 241, communications stack 242, system services anddevice drivers 243. Software on the electronic fob key 112 is simplerthan software on the smart wallet 111. According, no full featuredoperating system is provided but instead a simple round-robin loop,where each software module 241 242, 243 is given a time slice of a CPU.

Another embodiment 300 of a smart wallet is illustrated in FIG. 3A in aclosed or secure position. As shown, biometric reader 310 is configuredto scan a fingerprint of a person attempting to access the wallet 300.LED 320 is designed to emit green when processor 204 recognizes thefingerprint as the owner of smart wallet 300. Also, a chime is emittedfrom sound generator 201when a successful authentication is received.Additionally, LED 320 is designed to emit red light, and sound generator201 will emit a warning buzzer, when the biometric reader 310 scans afingerprint other than what the processor 204 recognizes as the owner.Still further, LED 32 is designed to emit amber light when battery powerfor the wallet 300 is below a threshold level and also sound generator201 will emit an intermittent beeping sound. In a preferred embodiment,recharging of wallet battery power can be achieved via mini USB port 330to a charger that plugs into an AC power supply. Alternatively, aseparate port for an AC adapter can be provided as a design choice.

Wallet 300 may be described as similar a cigarette case that is tamperresistant and opens up only biometrically, for example by fingerprint.Wallet 300 can only be opened by the owner himself; and therefore,children, a spouse, roommates, etc. are denied access to contentsthereof while the owner of the wallet is for instance sleeping, or inthe bathroom.

FIG. 3A also shows antenna 340 and mini USB port 330. FIGS. 3B through3D further illustrate wallet 300 in various views. Wallet 300 in an openposition is shown in FIG. 3B. An interior of the smart wallet 300presents on its left side a plastic support clip 360 where one can putfor instance, personal business cards 361. On an opposing right side, aleather compartment is provided with inner 351 and outer sections 353.Inner section 351 is designed to receive paper money 352 as shown inFIG. 3C. Outer section 353 is designed to receive credit cards, orsimilar items as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D. Also illustrated is a latch370 used to secure wallet 300. In a preferred embodiment, latch 370 iscontrolled by a motor actuator; however other type actuators may beemployed. Whatever choice of actuator, it is designed to de-energizeshut, therefore, smart wallet 300 locking mechanism defaults into lockedstate when power is lost or in standby mode. In a preferred embodiment,battery power is minimized because latch control power is only appliedto unlatch.

FIGS. 4A and 4B further illustrate a smart wallet embodiment 111 asoriginally shown in FIG. 1. Here, an alternative latch 470 embodimenthas been illustrated. Also, this embodiment 111 differs from the smartwallet 300 shown in FIG. 3A in that two LEDs 415, 420 are provided. Afirst LED 420 can be dedicated to battery power indication and a secondLED 415 provides indication of biometric access. Other physical featuresto note are antenna 440 and USB port 430. Also to note, card holder 469for receiving cards 461 and plastic clip 460 for retaining paper money452. Importantly, this embodiment 111 includes base relief 455 to assistin extraction of bills 452; as well as base relief 456 to assist in theextraction of cards at an interior portion of wallet 111. Further, theinterior of the wallet 111 is exposed about hinges 480.

Yet further, another embodiment 500 of a smart wallet according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C. Similarly, it 500comprises LED 520, USB port 530 and antenna 540 joining biometric reader510. Also similarly, an interior portion of wallet 500 includes clip 560for securing paper money 552 having base relief 555 to facilitateextraction thereof. The interior portions are formed about hinges 580.However, this embodiment 500 is unique in that card holder 569 retainscards 561 at a slight tilt as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate yet another embodiment 600 for a fob key ofthe present invention, however, this solution pairs the fob 600 to acellular telephone 690 via a suitable adhesive 787 (FIG. 7C). Fob 600,has a speaker 616, an LED 620 and also contains a battery compartment686 and battery compartment cover 685. As stated herein, system 100provides that when fob 600 and a smart wallet 111, 300, 500 of thepresent invention are outside approximately a predetermined range, fob600 will provide audible indication via speaker 616, as well as visualindication 620.

Still further, another fob key embodiment 700 is realized in FIGS. 7Athrough 7C. As shown, fob 700 comprises sound generator 716, LED 720, aswell as battery compartment 786 with cover 785. FIG. 7B illustrates fob700 affixed to a cellular phone 790 according to the present invention.FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of fob 700 from a vantage point that isunderneath the fob 700. Also according to a preferred embodiment, afirst side of self-adhesive 787 that mates with fob 700 comprises arelatively high strength bonding material; and a second side ofself-adhesive 787 comprises a relatively low strength bonding material.It is yet still further contemplated that the fob key applicablehardware components could be incorporated into existing cellular phoneswherein only required software is needed to instruct the fob key to workas such according to the present invention.

As stated, smart wallet 111, 300, 500 is an electronic personal vaultthat can communicate wirelessly 115 to another small key chain fobdevice 112 or cellular phone fob 600, 700 to monitor their co-locationand alert a user when the two are separated. In a preferred embodiment,electronic fob key 600, 700 has a small sleek design where it can beattached to a cellular handset 690, 790. Further in a preferredembodiment, smart wallet 111, 300, 500 is water-resistant and could befurther improved to be a water-tight device. Still further in apreferred embodiment, sensors associated with the biometric input candetermine if wallet 111, 300, 500 is forced to an open position withoutbiometric authentication. Therefore, if the wallet is pried open with ascrewdriver an alarm will sound via sound generator 201.

Construction materials contemplated by the present invention includetitanium for the wallet 111, 300, 500. Further, covers 585, 685, 785 forbattery compartments 686, 786 may be comprised of polycarbonate-ABSblend. Also in a preferred embodiment, LEDs 320, 420, 520, 620, 720 arecontain of translucent plastic (SAN) styrene-acrylonitrile material forcovers thereof.

Additional aspects of the present invention considered herein include abypass function comprising a pin, for example, to allow access to thewallet 111, 300, 500 if battery power is no longer available. Also, USBport 330 and 430 can be used to set up, program and monitor the system100 of the invention when coupled to a computer device; and also in thisway the system can provide a log of biometric attempts to access thewallet 111, 300, 500.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example andthat it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by thefollowing claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that theelements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, itmust be expressly understood that the invention includes othercombinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosedabove even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

While the particular Smart Wallet as herein shown and disclosed indetail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing theadvantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it ismerely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of theinvention and that no limitations are intended to the details ofconstruction or design herein shown other than as described in theappended claims.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

1. A smart wallet (111, 300, 500) comprising: an open position; a secureposition; and a biometric reader (310, 410, 510) wherein the biometricreader provides biometric authentication allowing the wallet totransition from the secure position to the open position.
 2. The smartwallet of claim 1, further comprising: a left-hand side; and aright-hand side, the left and right-hand sides connected by hinges (380,480, 580).
 3. The smart wallet of claim 1, further comprising an LED(320, 315, 420, 520) indicating a relative battery strength.
 4. Thesmart wallet of claim 1, further comprising a plastic support clip (360,460, 560) on an interior of the wallet, the plastic support clipconfigured to receive personal business cards.
 5. The smart wallet ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first RF unit (205); a smart wallettracking system, the tracking system including: a fob (112, 600, 700)comprising a separate a second RF unit (215), the first and second RFunits configured to send and receive electronic transmissions (115) fromeach of said units, the fob providing audible (211, 616, 716) indicationwhen the fob and smart wallet are separated by a predetermined range. 6.The smart wallet of claim 1, further comprising an interior portion ofthe wallet, the interior portion including a base relief (455, 456, 555)to facilitate extraction of bills and credit cards.
 7. The smart walletof claim 1, further comprising an interior portion of the wallet, theinterior portion including a card holder (569) for storage of businesscards (561) or credit cards, the card holder having an angular offset tofacilitate extraction of said cards.
 8. The smart wallet of claim 1,further comprising: polycarbonate-ABS blend; and styrene-acrylonitrilematerial.
 9. A method of securing a wallet, the method comprising:providing a wallet (111, 300, 500) having electronic transmitting andreceiving capability; providing a fob key (112, 600, 700) transmittingand receiving electronic signals from the wallet; determining whetherthe wallet is within a predetermined distance from the fob key using thetransmitting and receiving electronic signals (115); and indicatingaudibly (201, 211, 616, 716) if the fob key and the wallet are detectedas being beyond the predetermined distance.
 10. The method of securing awallet of claim 9, further comprising: latching the wallet in a closedposition; controlling the latching electronically via control signals;and authenticating the controlling the latching biometrically (310, 410,510).
 11. A system for securing a wallet (111, 300, 500) comprising: afob key (112, 600, 700) maintained separately from the wallet, whereinthe wallet and fob key are able to transmit and receive electronicsignals (115) with one another and wherein an approximate distance canbe determined between the wallet and the fob key; and audible indication021, 211, 616, 716) to alert a user when the approximate distanceexceeds a predetermined distance.
 12. The system for securing a walletof claim 11, the wallet further comprising: an open position; a secureposition; and a biometric reader (310, 410, 510) wherein the biometricreader provides biometric authentication allowing the wallet totransition from the secure position to the open position.
 13. The systemfor securing a wallet of claim 1, the fob further comprising a batterycompartment (686, 786), the battery compartment including a screw typelid (685, 785).
 14. The system for securing a wallet of claim 11, thefob further comprising a self-adhesive (787) for affixing the fob to acellular phone (690, 790).
 15. The system for securing a wallet of claim11, the fob further comprising a loop (113) for attaching to a keychain.